Several British Sikhs have reported receiving “threat to life” notices, dubbed as Osman warnings, issued by UK police. These warnings, indicating a death threat, are given when there is intelligence of a threat but insufficient evidence for an arrest.
In March, three members of a family received Osman warnings from West Midlands police, meaning there is intelligence of a death threat or risk of murder. The Guardian newspaper reported that British officers did not provide information about why the warnings, which are named after a high-profile case, were issued.
West Midlands police spokesperson said: “We received information that suggested that members of a family may have been at risk of harm. “We have processes in place when we receive information about threats to people, and in line with our duty of care, family members were made aware and advice provided.”
Some local Sikhs suspect an “Indian government connection” following the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and an “assassination attempt” on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. However, others believe radical UK Sikh outfits may be the reason behind the warnings, denying Indian involvement.
The concerns arise from a US court case against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accused of plotting to kill Khalistani separatist Pannun, designated a terrorist by India. These allegations also link to claims by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about India’s potential link to the killing of another separatist Nijjar.
New Delhi has rejected claims made by Ottawa in Nijjar’s case and asked the country to furnish proof. Meanwhile, a high-level committee has been set up to look into issues concerning the US court case linked to Nikhil Gupta.
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